Surfing the Solar System: A Treasure Hunt Game and Puzzle

In this game, part of the “Race to the Planets” group of activities, players are given clues in words and pictures to worlds or features in the solar system. The first letters of the answers then spell out what is likely to be one of the most popular tourist attractions when travel among the planets becomes routine.

The puzzle provides a clue for each question and suggests some web sites for finding out more if you get stuck. Some of the questions are easy, while others require familiarity with solar system features that are somewhat off the “beaten track.” Have fun.

Note: This game requires the Flash player. Click here to go to the Adobe web site and download the free Flash player (a new browser window will open).

Stellar Tweets

Current Events

Described as the world’s largest and most advanced superconducting camera, a new instrument dubbed DARKNESS is designed to filter out the blinding light of stars to see orbiting exoplanets in more detail than ever before.
Read the full story.

Society News

I am pleased to present the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) Annual Report for 2017. This year marked the 129th anniversary of the Society and, most significantly, the first time in 99 years that a total solar eclipse traversed the continental United States from coast to coast.
Estimates are that over 215 million people watched the “Great American Solar Eclipse” in some fashion. ASP has at the heart many national efforts aimed at ensuring everyone was fully engaged in this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. We also focused our attention on reaching underserved communities both on and off the path of totality.
This year we are focusing our annual report on the historic Great American Eclipse and our success in engaging literally hundreds of thousands of people in the awe and wonder of this rare celestial alignment. Thanks to you, the ASP supported astronomy enthusiasts of every kind, trained astronomy educators working in many different types of learning environments, and created innovative astronomy education activities and materials to help people understand why eclipses happen.
Together with friends like you, we are bringing the excitement of astronomy to new generations of enthusiasts and professionals. On behalf of all of the audiences we serve, thank you.
Sincerely,
Linda S. Shore Ed.D
Chief Executive Officer
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
P.S. Please consider making a contribution to the ASP today so we can build on last year’s tremendous success and expand our work. Your gift may be tax-deductible as provided by law. The ASP tax ID is 94-0294860.

Universe in the Classroom (Notifications of new issues of the ASP's
free newsletter designed for teachers, which features information
on topics of current astronomical interest, along with hands-on
classroom activities for students)